Man drowns in Percy Priest Lake, but saves his friend's daughter from drowning

The body of 34-year-old Harold Tomlinson was recovered at 8:00 a.m. near the dam from Percy Priest Lake, according to police. He drowned while trying to save a child.

Crews with the Nashville Fire Department responded to Percy Priest Lake after they received a report of a body floating in the water Sunday morning. Officials arrived on the scene in the 3800 block of Bell Road around 8:30 a.m.

The Medical Examiner worked alongside police for further identification and investigation into the incident.

Police say Tomlinson drowned at 5:30 p.m. Saturday night. He went into the water from a rented pontoon boat, trying to keep his friend's daughter from drifting away. He successfully saved her, but then he began to struggle.

Police later found him drowned Sunday morning. We do not yet know the name of the child who he saved.

Rhori recommends:

“Here’s another example of a small non-profit doing so much good in our community! Forrest Sanders highlights the group Friends Life Community, which provides adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to express themselves through art. In this case, original stage performances! Registered drama therapist Sarah Edwards guides the performers, including Mary Margaret, as they express themselves through written words and dance movements. The original show is touring and have a date set this September at TPAC!”

-Rhori Johnston